Man charged with the murder of Patryk Mortimer killed in horror fire

On November 3, 2018, an investigation was launched into a fire at the Manor House premises, in High Street, Easington Lane, which claimed the life of Patryk Mortimer.

The 39-year-old, who lived in the premises, was found unconscious at around 3am and was pronounced dead shortly after.

Now Declan Lancaster, 23, of no fixed abode, has now been charged with murder. He is due to appear before magistrates in Sunderland on Friday, October 9.

The investigation into the fire, which was treated as an arson attack, saw a number of arrests made.

Detective Chief Inspector Ed Small, of Northumbria Police’s Homicide & Major Enquiries Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Patryk’s family following this tragic incident which sadly resulted in his death.

“This remains a large-scale and complex investigation which has involved officers trawling through hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and speaking to dozens of people in connection with the incident.

“A man is now due to appear before the courts and I would ask people to avoid any speculation which could risk jeopardising those live proceedings.

“I would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with information about this incident over the last two years. If you know anything that may assist our investigation, and have yet to come forward, please do so immediately.”

Last month an inquest into Patryk’s death was adjourned until November 23 pending the outcome of the police investigation.

It is thought Patryk had tried to get under the ceiling-height fire to reach a fire door close to his room, but the ferocity of the heat and smoke was too much and he was found in the hallway by firefighters.

His death was caused by the inhalation of smoke and heat, which reached temperatures of 1,000 degrees as the large building burned.

Patryk had lived in the former care home, which was being used as a house in multiple occupation (HMO), for just a few days before the blaze.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the force’s website or by calling 101 quoting log 146 031118.

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